Thankful for What I Thought I Wanted
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Recently, I’ve been trying harder to focus on God during my day beyond just my morning and evening prayers, and failing miserably! My goal was to make time for God at two other breaks during the day and it just never seems to happen. Distractions, to dos and busy-ness takes over every single day even when I schedule the time into my day.
It got me thinking about the tension between trying to focus on heaven while living in the realities of earth. Why is it so challenging to do that?
There are realities of life on earth that take our attention away from heaven. So many of us are consumed with surviving day to day, that this becomes the focus. But here’s a suggestion… it’s less about making extra time to focus on heaven and more about developing a new way of seeing, similar to today's Gospel lesson. God desires you to be conscious of heaven in the small glimpses He gives you during the day, which can help bring your focus back to heaven.
For example, when I’m struggling on any given day, I’ll think of the hope of heaven. When I’m eating a good meal at dinner, I’ll think of the feast in heaven. When I’m embracing my husband, I’ll think of the warm love of God. When I’m with my family members, I’ll think of how we will all be reunited not just on a holiday, but forever someday. When a team member of mine does a great job, I’m reminded of God’s goodness and gifts working through them. When I experience joy, I think of the great joys to come. When I look at some items that have been passed down from my deceased grandparents in my home, I’m reminded of their presence in heaven. When I’m stressed out and lacking strength, I’ll be reminded of God’s strength and the promise of eternal life that awaits a life well lived. When I’m serving someone in need, I’ll be reminded that in heaven, they’ll hold a special place.
God gives us glimpses of heaven each day. The question is: Are you seeing them?
Katie Zalany lives in Cleveland Ohio. She is a Third Order Secular Franciscan (OFS), spiritual director, benefits/wellness leader, certified health and life coach, and volunteer. She is the creator of the ministry Women in Waiting | Made for Fruitfulness and is a published author. Her writing interests and focus areas include Gospel reflections, Franciscan spirituality, women's spirituality, prayer, and integration of faith and daily living.
